Harbor Freight Sawmill Complete Review
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Today we are going to take an in-depth look at the Harbor Freight Sawmill. We're going to cut a lot of wood, and examine every part that makes up this sawmill. If you are in the market for an affordable sawmill, this might be the Mill for you.
Dave, I've watched a lot of your videos where you are building/constructing something. Your presentation, knowledge, advice, tips, etc, are all excellent. You'd make an excellent full-time instructor for a Building Trades class,either at a high school, or a community college, or a technical college. Besides all your outdoors advice/tips.
I appreciate that
@Bushradical I agree with Thomas. You've got skills Dave. Excellent review. Stay safe. God Bless you and yours 🙏✌❤😊
Thanks Sandra
Honestly, better he teaches millions on RUclips!
@@Bushradical Dave, I've always thought the same thing!
Dave, I think Harbor freight owes you a new mill for this great video of their sawmill.
I concur my good man
I’ve already written them a letter requesting they build and offer an extension to meet the USA standard building sizes 10, 12, 16, 20, 24. Let’s see what they offer in the next few months. You really just have to contact them and ask.
Thank you for explaining! Never realized how much detailed information in Mill. 🙋🏻♀️
This was the best video on how to operate a saw mill, bar none! Thanks Dave, that was excellent. Now I feel confident to operate and maintain one!
My husband has been a carpenter for over 30 years. Since he has been watching several different DIY projects on RUclips, your channel being the first one. You still remain his favorite.
Reason being, you keep it real, you don’t edit out your mistakes, and you take the time to explain how to and why. We are looking for land to build our own cabin now. I believe he would actually be star struck if he met you! 😂 He says he would dig a poop whole with you anytime! Stay Radical!
25 expensive band saw manufacturers disliked this video! GREAT JOB DAVE!
LOL, thanks
Watching logs get milled into building materials is extremely satisfying.
yeah it is
0
@@Bushradical LOOK UP ( JONATHAN W ) ON YOU-TUBE ,, HE BUILD A SAW MILL ...
Oddly ....
How many price?
At no point in my nearly 60 years of living have I ever said, "I think I want to mill my own lumber." Which is good because at no point in those years have I ever had enough logs to mill my own lumber. But you present it so well, and make it all seem so simple, that less than halfway into the video I started to think, "I might want to try doing that." And to be honest.. I would like to try it. It's not something I'd ever "do" full time, I certainly still don't have access to enough logs to make it worthwhile, but you make it look so satisfying to do that if I ever get the chance to lend someone else a hand I definitely will. Thanks for another great video Dave, as always I was captivated from start to finish.
Thanks Bob
This is my same sentinent. Dave's manner of communication is easily understood.
I am older too, but I am of a certain station in life where I can afford to attempt these outdoorsy & rustic methods of building sheltet in the woods.😁. Sounds kinda whimsical, but if I try it I just might like it.
Stay Radical. BushRadical.
Thanks Truth.
Could they be rented? I'm assuming they could probably a higher quality one then the HF brand.
@@Mike-01234 Not really something you rent. usually you just pay someone to bring their mill to your location and work on your logs.
This is a must view video for anyone considering buying or using a Harbor Freight Sawmill.
Thanks
@@Bushradical Is this sponsored?
@@jaypeters6164 He bought it used, so my guess is no.
Like always you did a fabulous job explaining all the details. Straight talk right to the point just the way I like it. I love how you explain it and move right along
Thanks. I always try to make videos "watchable"
I've been watching a lot of sawmill reviews recently and yours is the best...by far. Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
Just pulled the trigger on this mill, I've been contemplating for almost a year which small portable mill to buy and harbor freight has always treated us right every time we might have an issue with a tool. So your video is the icing on the cake my friend! Look forward to more of your milling videos!
Dave, I recently found your site and I have been extremely impressed by the presentation and knowledge you have. I have been working on an off grid cabin for a couple of years. It was an amash shed (16x30), I ran electrical, dry wall, windows etc. I have paid off my land and everything that is on it, thanks to a tour in Afghanistan. I recently stumbled on to your small cabin build, the 10x12, it is perfect as I will be building my outhouse. Watching your wife work with you has also inspired my wife and she wants to help! See i have finally found a composting toilet that is easy and inexpensive and I have many women in my life. Finding a tree to pee is not their motto. I will also be adding a shower since I have also found a spring near my cabin. I want to thank you for the great ideas for the build, no nonsense instructions and even the cost video #5 I believe, it will be very helpful. I will check in when i finish and possibly send photoes if you would like?
This was the BEST review of a sawmill I have watched. I have wantched soo many videos before buying my mill. I only wish I had seen it before hand.
Dave, what an excellent review! As a forty-some year mechanical and manufacturing engineer it is so refreshing to see you take control of the situation and make this gadget perform! Personally, I am impressed to see that someone else knows how to position a Crescent wrench to torque a nut properly! So satisfying to use a simple machine to create building materials from the raw resources! Well done and thank you for sharing your most excellent skills with the rest of us!
Man I gotta tell ya, that your videos are awesome. They are not only informative, but are also entertaining. I also appreciate the fact that you dont use foul language and such. Thanks much for the videos, and if your ever down Missouri give us a shout.
Nothing like milling lumber. Been sanding, priming and painting vehicles before the snow and salt here in Canada. Automotive paint would be perfect for repainting the saw. Enjoyed the video.
Good to know. Thanks
@@Bushradical You will want to get it down to the bare metal (zero rust) and primer it well. It is tempting to just shoot it with paint, but auto paint tends to peel pretty easily if not anchored down with a good primer. There are some etching paints that don't need to be as pristine or much of a primer - I think that this is how Rustoleum gets away with painting with a little bit of surface rust and thin primer coats. The color won't be perfect or uniform, but you can just shoot the high wear areas every couple of years with a rattle can. Considering that quality auto paint will cost $100s to paint the mill completely just for paint - I would rattle can it.
Thanks
The thing we all like about Dave’s videos it’s not a bunch of rambling on filling silence with stupid annoying music or some guy talking to talk but Dave has actual useful information, facts, impressions, improvements all the while actually doing it not just talking about it.
Dude, great video. We also own this mill and still learned a thing or two. Thank you. You pretty much summed it up. Can’t beat it for the cost. We’re also seeing the same issues; build up in the wheels, irregular steel dimensions, a little “shake” when sawing. Nothing that can’t be easily addressed. A tip that was passed to us is to rotate the pull start clockwise, facing you. Thanks again.
Milling lumber in Michigan is very rewarding.
Very well presented review of the HF mill.
Another fantastic video, more technical than i need but Im always drawn in by your narration. I could listen to you discuss analyze just about anything. Your calm, genuine, friendly voice and demeanor is like hanging out with a real friend everytime. I really appreciate everything you create, your genuine nature really shines through all of it, thanks Dave!
Such a nice thing to say and very true👍😉🤗
Far better instruction than what is provided with the saw mills. Thanks for the video
Thanks
Top notch as usual! I’ve been watching you and Brooke since before ‘alone’ and have never been disappointed by one of your videos. Your communication skills are great. With your knowledge and experience in this area I would have no concern in pulling the trigger on this mill. The way you explained it was great. If I do buy a mill like this I’m sure I will be returning to this video for tips and pointers. Thanks again!
That’s about the most perfect review I’ve ever seen. Great job!
Thanks so much David. This is perfect for the times. The way lumber prices are going this is the way to go if you have wooded land.
Thanks
I always enjoy your videos. You remind me so much of my grandfather. He was a simple Appalachian farmer with an 8th grade education that worked hard all his life to give the best to his family. He had a sawmill that ran off the PTO on his tractor. I remember it. He milled his own wood when he built his big barn and barn extension. Nowadays I think we are missing out on so much in our hectic lives. I am trying to return to the simpler life and to become more self sufficient. Not exactly like you, but in my own way. Thank you for your videos. I always learn something.
Good to see brothers working together, one of Gods blessings... Oh, you did a great job explaining the workings and the pitfalls of this saw. I say you did well buying it at the price you stated, especially with the price of lumber.
Watching you makes me want to get a harber fright mill to bild me a large show to work in on my projects love watching your channel
A good and thorough report thank you Dave
Thanks
I'm a woman who might not ever buy a sawmill, but I still watched your entire video because you do such a great job of teaching/explaining AND you have cool background music.
Me too! I love harbor freight and tools but I'll probably never get a mill. His content is always great tho!
Thanks
Thanks L.M.
I love the comment of watching your brother work. I too love work. I could sit and watch it for hours!
As an owner of 40 tree'd acres in northern Idaho tool like this would be ideal and I've spent a fair amount of time researching band mills. So, thank you for the nice video and review of one of the mills I'm thinking about.
You did an excellent job, Dave! Been waiting for this follow up.I think ,you broke it down and explained each component, very clearly!( presentation)For some one, who would like to get started on a type of entry, level, saw mill and strapped for cash, this would be the way to go!Thank you, for taking the time to make this video!👍
Thank you Dave for uploading such great content and giving in depth explanations about things. I’ve saved several of your videos to use as future reference when taking on a project or, in this case, learning something about how a sawmill works. You keep it simple and understandable, which isn’t a skill everyone has. Thanks again for being radical!
I've got some pine on my property that are easily 32 inches and up. Guess I'm looking at finding someone with a big mill to handle those monsters. Thanks for this video Dave! It's helping me craft my plan of planning my build!
good luck
Look at that awesome stack of lumber!! Thanks so much! Excellent job! Can't wait to see it nailed up!!
Thanks
Great video, great presentation, excellent editing and superb audio editing. Not to mention, timely subject material. I just recently had my logs milled, around 1200 bf of mostly walnut, but some quarter sawn oak which cost me $.50 per bf. I was the laborer to handle and load the lumber on my trailer. The mill was a $35,000 full hydraulic Timber King. Now that I have nearly enough lumber for several years, I'm really wanting a harbor freight mill to saw my logs myself. Your video covered the HF mill better than any other RUclips video I've seen. Big thanks for sharing.
Better presentation than many university professors.
This has got to be one of the most in dept and thoughtfully laid out reviews I have seen about an item period. Good job sir
I was looking for something completely different than a sawmill video but when I see a posting from Dave at Bushradical I gotta stop and watch!!
Thanks, I appreciate that
I've been wanting a sawmill for a while now and ran across this one on Harbor Freight, so I started looking for reviews and RUclips videos. The last Harbor Freight tool I bought was a circular saw blade sharpener that you did a review on and I'm very happy with it and I'm glad to see that you've done a review of the sawmill I'm looking at. It looks like this mill will be very adequate for my needs and so far, I haven't seen anything too negative on it. Thanks Dave!
Thank you, Dave. I appreciate the review. It gives us another angle to be more self-reliant and support each other. The big name stores have been killing us all with prices and something like this makes building a project feasible. In Louisiana after hurricane season there are ALWAYS logs around begging to be useful.
I have watched a lot of your videos, on different topics.. From one Dave to another, GREAT VIDEOS! Thank you for taking the time, you have helped so many folks! I hope H F is aware of what you are giving them. I noticed your chuckle on a mill you mentioned, like you said, depends on the need and ones wallet. I have been milling with chainsaw mills when I needed something. I put on my new bathing suit, now going to surf on over to HF site and who knows. Thank you for being honest, genuine, and most of all, being you! VERY WELL DONE, thank you
Dave, outstanding show and tell. Best I’ve seen on this mill. I’m wanting one 👍🏻
Thanks Greg
Dave your a professional. i don't think any one on this planet could make a better review of this machine than you . your worth a lot of money to the right company knock on some doors here is your reference you will be amazed
Dad has got to be proud of those boys.
Thanks
Fairly set on one day buying my own little mill
Not even sure how I found your channel this morning but I’ve watched so many of your videos already.
Your outlook and building knowledge is great.
I’ve grown up always liking to give things a go my self. Love building things and giving it a fair go.
Great video, really appreciate your time and effort you put in to this ! I’ve been wondering about this saw mill for a while and wondered if it be worth having it or be more of a nightmare when I went to use it or not? Think you helped with a lot of my questions and anxiety of whether or not to buy one! May not be a lot of money for some people, but 2 grand a lot to me and I don’t want to waste money on something that won’t do the job or falls apart right off the bat so to speak! I feel better about spending my money on this now and hopefully it will be a good choice?
This video is by far the best out there on this sawmill. Fantastic Dave.
11:33 Would love to see your brother's cabin! or even the making of. Greetings from italy
He's supposed to film when he builds it....he's been toying with the idea of a RUclips channel for a few years, but hasnt got started yet
Thanks for taking the time to review this mill!
You're welcome
That was an awesome review, Dave! The only thing I’d add - if I could, lol 😂 - is the smell of that fresh cut wood! 😁❤️
You have to run the mill to get the smell
I will never buy this product in my life or cut a log to create boards, but I thought this video was very informative and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you!
There's tons of performance parts for those predator engines, you could turn that 8hp into 19hp with just parts.
Hey Dave! It’s funny that I found this video while watching sawmill videos on RUclips. I’m running a small Cooks bandsaw mill back here in Michigan and am loving it. Great videos and I’ll watch more.
Well let's just put it like this. if I was going to build the cabin. on a pice of property I could cut down my own trees... and for $2,400 I couldn't buy it by enough lumber to build a nice cabin... so I could buy this for $2,400 make the track longer For another 300 bucks. So I could cut 20' or 24' logs and I could make a nice big beautiful cabin in the woods and when I was done I wouldn't have to buy 1 board at all and I would still have the mill so I could build other things. or just sell the mill and recop my money.... You can't buy enough lumber for $2,400 to build a big cabin so I don't see the downfall in it buying this at all
I do have to wonder how you'd do for treating the timber for termites and moisture ingress.
One to one used motor oil and diesel,farmers have been doing it for years !
@@terrystines2536 oh heck yeah, sweet
@@classydays43you burn the wood ( The shou sugi ban process)
and scape and wire brush the char off. Then you treat the wood with diesel fuel and motor oil.
Will last for generations
Don’t forget your 20% coupon!
I have watch a lot of reviews on these and I have to say this is by far the best one to answer all my questions. Thanks Dave !
Glad to help
Use your Alaskan Sawmill to make cants that will fit your mill without a disassembly
He probably wanted to show it's capabilities as a standalone mill. An Alaska mill plus a 100cc saw costs as much as this mill and most people won't have one.
If you do have an Alaska mill, it is a good idea. I wasn't disagreeing with you.
I've never touched a mill, but I can say that I understood your explanations and descriptions. Well done video.
Impressive for what it is. Great review too! My experience is to always oil foam air filters to catch the smallest abrasive particulates. If you'll drag a hose down and rinse the logs before cutting you can seriously lengthen the blade life as it won't be cutting through dirt on the outside of the log. The lightest oil you have on hand will be okay. Touch up paint with black Rustoleum. Eventually the whole thing will be black and the easiest color to maintain and blend. You'll also know which areas to pay attention to for future corrosion. You can easily rig up a self cleaner for the wheels with a wire brush and hose clamp. Who cares how it looks. It's a tool!
Thanks
Dave- Thanks for the video. I've been trying to purchase a mill. Trying to find a used one I can afford is impossible. I believe after watching this, I will buy one. Make some money and then upgrade. Harbor freight should pay you for advertising for them. Again - great truthful overview of the product. Thanks again!!!!
...let the sawdust fly, good job, keep safe..
Thanks
Excellent job on this review. Voice, tempo, and editing was top notch
Thanks for taking the time to make this video . I have been wanting to get a band saw mill of my own and I like the results you were getting with your mill set up that’s awesome .
I’m thinking about building my own mill. I just bought20 acres of 30 year old pine and I may cut my own lumber to build my own cabin.
Kris Harbour Natural Building, made one on RUclips a lot of sleepless nights he said not again.
right on
Dave. I would have to say this has to be one of the best detailed reviews I have ever seen. For a saw mill or for any tool period. Very impressive.
Thanks Chris. I put a lot of time into this one
... Enjoyed the demo review ,, as a tool freak I would love to have a mill ,, no real need at this time ,, but who knows ,, if the price was right , maybe... I have a neighbor that has one of these at his shop and every now and then I would stop to see what he's up to with it ...
..With a cabin build in your future and tree's that probably need cleared ,, seems like a win-win to me ....
true
Great job on taking us through the operation of this machine!
Thanks
Best thing in this mill: it's in metric! 🤣
It's like imperial but not quite 🤣
Yes, but in the US all the steel is NOT metric
The U.S. has been moving towards the metric system for years…inch by inch…
Dave, you have done a magnificant job of demo-ing and explaining everything about this Harbor Freight Sawmill !!! Ive always wondered how good it really was. I think you have answered all of our questions. Again ,you have done an Excellent Job with this video and you are easy to listen to. Thanks so much for taking the time making it and explaining the features and how to operate it and make any tweaks . i only wish that I was their cutting a bunch of logs with you. A++ VIDEO !!! Thanks Again Dave.
Great review!
Something that may help you.... turn the 45° angle on the top of the log stops towards the log that your milling so the log is easier to turn. The log will slip off the slope and won't hang on the top of the stop.
Again Great video! Really enjoy all your work, keep it up.
Excellent presentation! No-nonsense easy-to-understand! A lot of the demonstrations out there are presented by people who have a lot of money. It looks to me like you got a lot of wood cut with a spend thrifty outfit. Thanks for a well-done demonstration.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, Dave. I've watched a lot of sawmill videos and yours explained the workings of it the best. Good job, Dave!!
Thanks
From my perspective, you were to the point in describing your experience with this machine, you convinced me of the overall practical performance of this mill.
You and Brook have the amazing ability to make everything understandable and seem accessible and doable. Because of people like you, we can turn our own dreams into reality. Thank you both.
Dave, you truly do make wonderful videos, friend. Great job as always
You did a really great job of explaining about the saw and what you were cutting.
I'm so glad you did this video. I've been considering a mill but the price of mills are out of sight. Great video.
Thanks
Dav love this vidow ive learned alot from lissioning and watching you wish i could have a saw like that to bild me and my family a greage and a biger work shop for me
Thanks Dave, I have been looking around and honestly on the fence about the Harbor Freight Mill but after watching your video....were going to get one today.
Thanks Again.
Excellent video Dave! Have been shopping for one. I have dozens of dead black cherry trees worth a fortune. I agree with some of the comments that say that you would make an excellent teacher. You are! Our farm is in Montcalm County not too far from you now I think. Would love to buy you lunch someday and discuss the future of our area. I formally managed a USDA office in Gratiot County. This area needs some serious leadership.
Dave, I wished everyone covered a machine as well as you do. I'm on the fence with getting a mill, because of... I'm just not quite sure about repairs or break downs. We just cleared 5 acres of pines.
Thanks for reviewing this machine in a simple way. Taking time to look at the important details.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you.
I love watching home made millers and stuff, I saw one where a guy turned a pine log into a beautiful table
You are a master at presenting and explaining topics in a way that normal, everyday folks can understand and retain! I'm always eager to watch and learn from your videos!
Stay radical!!!👍👍
Thanks
Hey Dave , greetings from Nashville Tennesee. I have been thinking about purchasing a new sawmill and this is one that I have been considering. I really appreciate the effort that you have put into this video and the information you were able to provide. I have to say that I’m leaning towards this sawmill even more now. Thank you again and good luck with your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Jerry Jones
JonesCo Woodworks
That is the absolute best tool review video I have ever watched and I am an old tradesman who's not easily impressed. Very nice work sir!
And we have another first Class video and Product Review from Mr. Dave.
Excellent attention to detail and taking your time to explain each and every bit of the Mill.
Thanks Dave !
Thanks
Still working on a cabin with my pops because of your videos. Keep it up Dave!
That is awesome! Thanks
Excellent video! We are starting our off grid building and this answered so many questions!
Hi Dave. I agree as well. You are definitely a great teacher. I love how you explain everything in detail about the sawmill. Awesome.
Another great video from a very knowledgeable and reliable guy!
Awesome detail,thank you..never knew I wanted a sawmill until watching your video
Thanks for the video review. I was looking forward to your review of the harbor freight product. I just need something that works well, to get started. Really appreciate what you do. Stay well, and keep the videos coming. We really do need good men to teach the next generation coming up.
Thanks John
Great review. I like watching sawmill videos. I cut and burn firewood in my garage but can't quite talk myself into needing a sawmill but you almost talked me into one. LOL Thank you.
Great video! Two impressions: the machine seems sturdy and reliable, the operator really knows his stuff. Amazing.
Thanks
Dave, all your videos are so helpful and informative. And just enjoyable to watch. Keep doing what your doing ! Very motivating thank you!!
i have been thinking about a sawmill in the next year or so and had a lot of quistions you prety much convenced me i want one
Definitely a good review. Lotta learning just happened because of your in depth experience.
Sup dave?
Normally I don't think much of harbor freight tools as being heavy duty and reliable. But, the way you describe how to operate the saw machine. Im glad there's someone out there to helps us do it yourself idiots understand the Asian logic. Your building and craftsmanship is under rated. You deserve better recognition for your work. Great job
Nice work Dave great info and always great to hear from you.
I have no intention of getting into milling, but I was fascinated by your review. Excellent. This would be the way I'd go based on your description and examples. I'm out here in CT and notice the ash borer beetle is in your neck of the woods also. I've got a 24" base ash that rises about 70 feet and threatens the house. Another one on the northern side that's about 15" and threatens the garage and power lines. Good news is the top limbs are breaking up with every wind that blows though. Here's hoping it gets short enough to remove the threat before I have to figure out how to pull it down (it's leaning in) away from the house with a 14" Echo chain saw, a 97 tahoe and a length of rope. lol. Life aint' easy is it. Thanks for the video!
It's a Friday evening in my big city... I'm watching this through to the end.... I have no use for this knowledge but glad I watched it. Dave you're awesome 😅😅😊